January Transportation Safety Newsletter: New Year's Resolutions

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

January 2024

New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year 2025!

It’s the time of year for resolutions—changing bad habits, starting a healthy activity, or volunteering in your community. As 2024 ends, consider a new resolution for 2025: making our roads safer for everyone. Resolutions are powerful, and when we practice them every day, we can save lives and prevent tragedies.

  • Slow down. Excessive speed is the most common factor in all crashes.
  • Drive sober. Resolve to drive, walk, ride, and roll sober. Impairment is the most common factor in crashes that result in fatalities in Oregon. If you feel different, you drive different.
  • Buckle up on every trip, every time. Safety belts and child safety seats save lives.
  • Drive alert. Pay attention to the complex task of driving and avoid texting or talking on your cell phone while driving.

Oregonians Shine Bright

Oregonians Stand Out. Big foot and person walking with a stroller are visible with retroreflective clothing.

Most pedestrian fatalities occur at dusk or at night when visibility is low. Help prevent these tragedies by following these tips:

As a driver:

  • Be extra vigilant at dusk—it’s harder to see pedestrians.
  • Watch for pedestrians at corners and mid-block crosswalks.
  • Slow down and scan for movement in the dark.

As a pedestrian:

  • Avoid dark clothing that blends into your surroundings. Wear bright colors during the day and light or reflective gear at night.
  • Carry a flashlight or use a headlamp when it’s dark, rainy, foggy, or overcast.
  • Together, we can make Oregon’s streets safer for everyone.

Know Before You Go with TripCheck

TripCheck.com

TripCheck.com is your one-stop resource for travel in Oregon. Check road conditions, view real-time road cameras, see current chain requirements, and get updates on winter travel, construction projects, and more. Plan ahead and travel safely!


Driving in Low Visibility

Vehicle headlights on roadway highlight pedestrian feet walking

Driving can be especially challenging in low visibility caused by nighttime conditions, heavy snow, fog, rain, or smoke. Follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Slow down and disengage cruise control.
  • Use low beams; high beams can worsen visibility in fog or snow.
  • If equipped, turn on rear fog lamps to help others see you.
  • Avoid entering areas where you can’t see a safe distance ahead.
  • If visibility is severely limited, pull off the road completely, turn off your lights, and activate your emergency flashers.

Remember: never stop in travel lanes during low-visibility conditions.


Walk & Roll to School Success!

Walk & Bike to School Day

Oregon leads the nation in participation for International Walk & Roll to School Day, with over 200 public K-8 schools joining the event in October. Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped promote active, safe transportation!


Join a Transportation Safety Committee

Join us text on turquoise background

Are you passionate about making Oregon’s roads safer? Join one of ODOT’s statewide transportation safety committees. These committees guide policies and programs to save lives and reduce crashes. Applications are open year-round! Learn more and apply today!


Resources

Tripcheck logo

Contact us at ODOT Transportation Safety

Order free safety brochures, posters, and more

Oregon crash data

National traffic safety information

Newsletter archives and subscribe

 

Plan your trip: road conditions and travel information 24/7: TripCheck.com or dial 511.


Time flies, make sure you can, too. Get your REAL ID before May 7, 2025.